Hundreds of fans packed into a downtown restaurant Thursday night to escape the rain for a bit and watch a live podcast featuring Orlando City striker Dom Dwyer.

Dwyer joined host Roger Bennett of NBC Sports’ “Men in Blazers” for an interview and fan Q&A at Lion’s Pride, a pub on Church Street that hosts official club events.

Bennett started off with some jokes about why Orlando is dear to his heart, mentioning Shaq and the Orlando Magic, which drew cheers and applause all around.

He then introduced Dwyer, “My guest tonight may be the only English-born person who loves America as much as I do.

“He’s a pacey, powerful striker, whose relentless harassment of opposition defenders has made him one of MLS’ most feared attackers. Last month, he made headlines when Sporting Kansas City traded him to Orlando City. …You can’t spell freedom without D-O-M. The one and only Mr. Dom Dwyer!”

It was the first time he joined the team outside since undergoing minor surgery on his nose late last week, but he did not participate in group exercises.

“He was out here...

Dwyer, wearing khaki pants, white sneakers, a black tank top that revealed his tattoo-covered arms, a gold chain and a black baseball hat, sipped on water.

The night included plenty of jokes and laughs all around as the two personalities reviewed Dwyer’s path to professional soccer player in Orlando.

“Family, football and a green card,” Bennett said at one point.

“And a passport,” Dwyer said, reminding him he became an American citizen this year.

The biggest cheers of the night came when Dwyer spoke about his son, Cassius, and wife, U.S. women's national team player Sydney Leroux, who plays for FC Kansas City in the National Women's Soccer League.

“Hopefully she’ll be here soon, too,” Dwyer said with a smirk to elated fans who hope Leroux will one day join the Orlando Pride. “You didn’t hear that from me.”

Bennett asked Dwyer about his childhood in West Sussex, England, and how his career was not streamlined, but a battle to overcome size, injury and those who doubted his ability and potential.

They went deep into Dwyer’s past, talking about how he felt when doctors told him at 17 years old that a professional soccer career was unreachable because he broke his foot three times in six months.

Dressed in Orlando City gear for the first time in four years, Dom Dwyer sat alongside Lions CEO Alex Leitão to address media Wednesday after a whirlwind 24 hours.

Dwyer smiled while talking about his goals with the team, his thoughts on the trade and his family still in Kansas City.

He and Leitão...

“After the third time, I had an operation and they said, ‘Oh, it’s healing, and I wouldn’t really recommend playing sports.’ I took the opportunity to go in a different direction.

“My mom told me when I was 9 or 10 that I wanted to be a ice cream man … that would have been a different direction.”

Dwyer instead went to Tyler Junior College in Texas before heading to the University of South Florida on his way to a professional career.

“The Apaches!” Bennett said as he raised his glass.

Dwyer shot back with jokes about how he wanted to go to college in America after watching the movie “American Pie.”

“I just wanted to be a footballer,” he continued. “I think I always envisioned it to be in England, but you never really know where you're going to end up.”

Dwyer said he always dreamed of playing for his country, which used to mean England.

“I won the World Cup with England,” Bennett said.

“Me too,” Dwyer said with a straight face.

“You actually passed it to me, I scored,” Bennett countered, drawing more laughs.

But Dwyer’s life and career evolved and he became eligible to play for the United States, earning a call-up this summer. Dwyer talked about how proud he felt in that moment and said the U.S. is his country now.

He also spoke about his feelings when Sporting Kansas City sent him down to then-USL affiliate Orlando City in 2013 and he helped the Lions win a USL championship. Later that year he also won the MLS Cup with SKC and visited the White House.

“All my friends back home were like, they let you in the White House?” Dwyer said. “It was Obama, too, so in England, he was the cool president.”

Dwyer was more candid than in previous interviews when asked about when SKC traded him to Orlando, saying, “I should say it was mixed emotions, but I was … delighted."

He reassured fans he wants to be in Orlando for many years to come and bring a championship trophy to the city. Fans whistled and clapped as Bennett recapped the chat.

“Still waiting to wake up, I need a little pinch sometimes,” Dwyer said. “I’m not trying to be cheesy. I’ve found a life here, and I’m very happy. I’m sure I’ll be here for a long time.”

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